“Mr Sheldon. I can’t tell you how relieved I am to hear this. I, and many of the staff, have been extremely upset by what has been going on. With your permission I’ll organise a staff meeting and tell everyone. Thank you so much. I know you won’t regret the decision. We all want to make a go of it. The staff are a good bunch of people and they work hard. I’m sure they will appreciate what you are offering to do.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
STEVIE
It’s been a busy morning dealing with all the last-minute paperwork which will enable us to put in a bid to the council for Asbury Park. However, I keep wondering whether Stevie will show up. Little Tony said he would pass my message onto him, and so did George. That was yesterday, so I’m hoping he’ll turn up at my office this morning. If not, I’m going looking for him. I’m sure he will approve of what I’m planning to do and I hope he wants to get involved.
Lunchtime arrives, but Stevie doesn’t. Maybe George and Little Tony forgot to pass on my message?
Stevie is my best mate and I want to share my good fortune with him as he’s the reason I’m still alive. If I had to make a choice between the £168 million and spending a single day with Stevie, I’d hand you the cheque without a moment’s thought or hesitation. Finding him is the main thing on my mind.
I walk down Sidney Street and up towards the Market Square, passing the store where I bought my winning ticket. It just goes to show, one small decision can change your entire life. As I approach the market I can see Little Tony. He’s talking to Young Ned, who has his dog, Buddy, with him. I go over and say hello. Young Ned looks at me in a strange way as people dressed like me don’t normally go up and chat. Most people try to ignore homeless people and don’t look them in the eye.
“Sorry to bother you,” I say. “Have either of you seen Stevie from Swansea?”
Tony’s first response is, “You couldn’t spare any change, could you?”
I give them a fiver each. I don’t receive any thanks, but don’t expect any. Young Ned chirps up. “I saw him about an hour back. He was over at Mitcham’s.”
I thank him for the info and see they are both already leaving. I guess they are heading for the nearest off licence.
I walk back to the Sidney Street office and grab my bike from the rack at the rear of the building.
Five minutes later, I reach my destination but I can’t see Stevie.
I rest my bike against the wall near the two benches where the group I’m looking for are sitting and standing around. Most of them have a can of beer in their hands.
“Hi, has anyone seen Stevie from Swansea?” I enquire.
“He’s just gone to the offy,” I’m informed by one of the guys standing near the benches. I don’t recognise him. “He’ll be back sooon,” he slurs.
I turn around and look across to the opposite side of the road. About a hundred yards down is a small shop run by Mr & Mrs Miah. Years ago it was also a post office but the Royal Mail closed it down. All that’s left of that side of the business is the bright red post box directly outside. Letter collections are once a day at five thirty pm, but there’s nowhere to buy a stamp.
As I look over, I see Stevie coming out of the shop door. He stops and opens his can of beer and then staggers back in my direction. I can see he’s a little worse for drink as he approaches. He hasn’t seen me since the Lotto win. He looks the same but I look a lot different.
“Hi, Stevie. It’s me, James.”
It takes a few seconds to register and he’s staring at me with his face leaning forward. Then he recognises me. “Hey, James,” he cries, rushing forward to give me a hug while keeping his can in his right hand.
I’m happy to see him and hug him back, even at the risk of his beer spilling all over my nice new clothes. This is my best buddy. “Didn’t you get my messages from Little Tony and George yesterday?”
“Yeah, I did, but I wasn’t really sure what to do. I read the newspapers – you’re a big shot now. I didn’t think you’d really want me around.”
“Stevie, that’s so wrong. Without you I wouldn’t be here. The money doesn’t change a thing. You’re my best friend. We’ve been through a lot together and I wouldn’t have made it on my own. Mates stick together. My good fortune means I can repay my debt and help a friend. You’re someone I trust. Someone to help with the big plans I’ve got. I really need you, mate.”
He seems shocked but even in his current state, I can see the sincerity of my words and the passion in my voice is getting across to him. Even I’m choking up a little. “I’m so sorry to hear about your mum. If there’s anything I can do,” I continue, “I’ve rented a two-bedroom flat on Hills Road while I’m waiting for a house purchase to go through. I want you to move in with me. I need your help and advice. I’m setting up a housing charity.”
“You don’t need me in your place, cramping your style with the ladies.”
“There are no ladies in my life since my wife, and there’s not likely to be. This could be a good thing for both of us. Working side-by-side, helping a lot of people to get off the streets and a lot of families to have a decent place to start a family. Think what we
